The Muslims for Progressive Values conference is this weekend, so I'm off to New York.

I'm really excited about this conference which is going to bring together progressive Muslim activists for brainstorming and strategic planning, as well as serve as a platform for the first elections for the MPV board of directors, the adoption of bylaws.

I'm very hopeful that out of this we will come with some concrete plans for the next two years, action items, and a structure around which we can recruit greater membership and draw in other progressive organizations to form a coalition which will make our voices more audible because of their unity.

Sadly, the need for progressive Muslims, and liberal, and moderate Muslims, even non-militant conservative Muslims to be organized and to be unified is only all to evident given the terrible events in Palestine and Iraq this week. Obviously, these are societies under seige, but it is horrible to see Muslims turning on one another over political or sectarian differences. It reminds me of a picture I once saw of a snake curled back upon itself, devouring it's own tail.

Wanda Campbell also known as Nochipa
A very gifted poet and a gentle, compassionate soul. Nochipa and I are on the same page on sooooo many things
Writeous Sister
Aminah Hernandez, she's got some excellent latino pieces and always has good writing info on her blog.
Sister Scorpion
aka Leila Montour - Leila is a fount of energy, quirky humor, and bad attitude. She's also a talented poet.Muhajabah
Very interesting commentary here. I don't always agree with her, but her pieces are always thought-provoking.
Georgie Dowdell
Georgie is a great writer and a good friend.
Louise Marley
Another great writer. I think Louise is one of the best sf writers exploring faith themes.
Ink in My Coffee
Devon Ellington (who has numerous aliases) who is also the editor of Circadian Poems. A truly inspiring woman with a seemingly endless supply of energy.
Ethnically Incorrect With a name like that, isn't a given I'm going to enjoy this writer?
Freedom from the Mundane
Colin Galbraith, another excellent writer, from Scotland.
The Scruffy Dog Review
This is a new e-zine with an ecclectic mix of fiction, poetry, and non-fic, some really enjoyable pieces here.
Ramblings of a Suburban Soccer Mom
Lara, another gentle soul, very thoughtful.
Circadian Poems
A journal of poetry, new stuff up all the time.
Ye Olde Inkwell
Michelle writes romance and is one of my writing buddies.
Muhammad Michael Knight
The original punk Muslim writer. Like him or love him, Mike is always coming up with the unexpected.